COUNTRY CLEARANCE GRANTED FOR USCIRF DELEGATION TO VISIT

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 HANOI 000442

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

FOR EAP/MLS BLACKSHAW

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OTRA PHUM PREL VM
SUBJECT: COUNTRY CLEARANCE GRANTED FOR USCIRF DELEGATION TO VISIT
VIETNAM, MAY 11-22, 2009

REF: STATE 047348


1. Embassy Hanoi warmly welcomes and grants country clearance for
the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF)
delegation to travel to Hanoi, May 11-22, 2009.


2. Hanoi Control Officer:
Christian Marchant, Political Officer
Tel: (84-4)850-5000 ext. 5096
Cell: (090) 484-1023
Fax: (84-4)850-5098
Unclass E-mail: MarchantCM@state.gov

Political Counselor, Control Officer, and Embassy vehicles will meet
USCIRF delegation at the airport.


3. Hotel reservations have been made at the.

Sofitel Metropole Hanoi Hotel
15 Ngo Quyen Street
Hanoi, Vietnam
Tel: (84-4) 3826-6919
Fax: (84-4) 3826-6920
www.sofitel.com/1555


4. Diplomatic/Official Entry Visas: USG Employees seeking to
conduct official business under the auspices of the U.S. Mission to
Vietnam are required, repeat required, to follow Post guidance in
obtaining appropriate diplomatic/official entry visas. Prospective
USG travelers must fax (84-4-3850-5010) their visa applications (may
be downloaded from the Vietnamese Embassy website in the U.S.) and
passport bio-pages to the Human Resources Office of the Embassy at
least 15 business days before their expected departure date for
assistance in obtaining appropriate visas. Embassy Hanoi may
withhold country clearance if potential USG travelers do not obtain
the correct visa in the appropriate manner. Please contact the
Embassy Human Resources Officer at (84)(4) 3850-5000 (extension
7133),if you have any questions or concerns regarding this process.
Travelers should always carry a copy of their visa application with
an original photo attached to it, as Vietnamese Customs Officials
may ask for it upon arrival.


5. Security Information:

a) Cities in Vietnam have the typical crime problems of other large
cities throughout the world. Pickpockets and petty crime occur and
appear to be increasing; though violent crimes such as armed robbery
are still relatively rare in Vietnam. Drug use is becoming more and
more of a problem in Vietnam. The Embassy recommends that travelers
use only metered taxis. Traffic in Vietnam can appear chaotic and
there is a real threat of being involved in a traffic or pedestrian
accident. Pedestrians unaccustomed to walking across the street in
Hanoi, HCMC or other Vietnamese cities should be extra cautious.

b) Recently people flying through Hanoi's airport have been subject
to a scam involving fraudulent contract drivers who may address them
by name. USG personnel, if not met by an Embassy driver with an
Embassy badge, will be met by a contract driver who will have a
printed sheet with their name and Embassy seal on it. Personnel
should also confirm before entering the vehicle where the driver is
taking them.

c) Vietnamese security personnel may place foreign visitors under
surveillance. Hotel rooms, telephone conversations, fax
transmissions, and e-mail communications may be monitored, and
personal possessions in hotel rooms may be searched.


6. Electronic Devices in the Embassy: The Embassy and Consulate
General strictly control the entry of laptop computers, personal
digital assistants (PDAS) and other electronic devices into Embassy
and Consulate General facilities. If you plan to bring official
electronic equipment to Post, please advise the control officer and
the RSO of the equipment, make/model, and serial or other control
number in your request for country clearance. Providing this
information in advance will speed the entry of the equipment into
the Embassy and Consulate General. Upon arrival, the Information
Management Specialist or the Regional Security Office must inspect
all laptop computers before entering Embassy or Consulate General
facilities. Personally owned or unapproved USG equipment (which
includes all PDA's, cell phones, and pagers) - may not enter the
controlled access areas.


7. Transiting through China: If you plan to transit via China, you
will need a Chinese transit visa or you will not be boarded on your
outward bound flight from Vietnam.


8. Fund Cite and Expenses: Post acknowledges receipt of fundcite.



HANOI 00000442 002 OF 002


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